The Morbihan island of Houat
Measuring 5 km long by 1.5 km wide, the island of Houat, off the coast of Quiberon, is located in southern Morbihan. You’ll be charmed the moment you arrive at the port of Saint-Gildas, a small fishing village with its colorful boats and stacked fishing traps. Houat is a peaceful and picturesque destination, ideal for a day trip or a short stay.
How to get to Houat?
Take a day trip to one of southern Brittany’s most unspoiled islands. The island is accessible by boat from several ports in Morbihan, notably Quiberon (one-way or round-trip, year-round, 40-minute crossing), as well as from Locmariaquer, La Trinité-sur-Mer, Vannes, and Port-Navalo during the season. The crossing takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the departure port. We recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Reservations can be made online or at our visitor centers. Feel free to contact us for more information: ferry company, pier, parking, etc. You can also book a boat trip with a skipper to set sail and explore the island in a different way.
Feel free to consult the sustainable transportation guide produced by the Association des Îles du Ponant to plan your stay on Houat on foot or by bike.
You can also download the mobile app “Houat and Hoedic: Discovering the Heritage of the Sister Islands.” This immersive and accessible experience lets you discover the landscapes, history, and culture of each island through geolocated points of interest, while raising awareness about heritage preservation. The app is available for download on Google Play orthe App Store.
➔ 3 km long and 1.5km wide
➔ 288 hectares
➔ 17 km of coastal trails
Cross the typical Breton village and eat seafood in one of the island's restaurants.
Then, take the coastal path and walk along breathtaking landscapes in the heart of an exceptional nature.
Finally, relax on the large beach of Trearc'h Er Goured and enjoy its fine sand and turquoise waters.
- Coastal path
A hiking trail circles the island, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, cliffs and beaches. The complete circuit of the island is around 14 km long and can be completed in 3 to 4 hours. The trail is relatively easy and accessible to all levels of walker. It is particularly enjoyable in spring and summer, when the flora is in full bloom.
- Port de Saint-Gildas
The small port of Saint-Gildas is a picturesque place where fishing boats and pleasure craft moor. Here you can often see local fishermen unloading their catch. The port is also a departure point for boat trips to neighbouring islands such as Hoedic.
- The village of Houat
Pass through the typical Breton village and touch the colourful hollyhocks. Stroll along the granite cliffs overlooking the ocean, contemplating the fragrant mauve moorland. There are a number of shops, restaurants and cafés. It's a great place to sample local specialities, including seafood in one of the island's restaurants.
- Treac'h er Goured Beach
Also known as the Grande Plage, this is the longest beach on the island, located in the south. It's famous for its fine sand and clear waters. It's the perfect place to relax, swim or take part in water sports such as kayaking or windsurfing. Tip: there is little shade on the island, so remember to bring hats or caps to protect yourself from the sun.
Don't missHoedic Island, its little sister, for a timeless getaway. During your stay, be sure to take the time to explore the Gulf of Morbihan on a guided cruise (departing from Locmariaquer, Auray, Vannes, Port Blanc, and other locations). Reservations and information are available at the tourist office.
Tips for Your Visit
Preparation: Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (including a windbreaker), and water, as supplies on the island are limited.
Seasonality: The island is particularly pleasant to visit in the spring and summer, but it can get crowded during peak season. If you prefer a quieter experience, opt for May or September.
Respect for the Environment: Houat is a pristine island, so it’s essential to respect nature by taking your trash with you and not disturbing the local wildlife.
To help preserve it, let’s follow these guidelines:
- On the beaches, keep your dog on a leash between April and August to protect the birds that nest there;
- At the beach, stay as close to the water as possible to avoid accidentally crushing plover nests, which are well-camouflaged in the sand near the water’s edge;
- Keep your distance: do not approach the birds, whether they are on land or at sea. If they fly away when you approach or cry out in alarm, they have been disturbed;
- Stay on marked trails and do not venture into the fragile and sensitive dunes;
- Do not litter: on Houat, you take your trash home with you.
- Also visit the Eclosarium Museum, which traces the history of the island—a designated Natura 2000 site—and invites you to discover the marine world around us.